In the Middle’s best weekly freeview flicks picks is here! This week we marry a time traveller, hope the odds are in our favour and try to survive a zombie apocalypse.
MONDAY – The Hunger Games (Film4 21:00)
This Friday sees the release of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1, the first of a two-part finale that will end one the popular franchise. It seems only right then to remind ourselves of the events of the first films, and Film4 are here to help us out! A brilliant adaptation of Suzanne Collin’s novel, The Hunger Games made a star of the wonderful Jennifer Lawrence, who takes the lead role of Katniss Everdeen, the young heroine of our story. Shocking, terrifying, emotional, dramatic and even quite funny at times, it is a solid young adult film that has something for everyone. May the odds be ever in your favour.
TUESDAY – Splice (Film4 23:35)
This horror/sci-fi film is not everyone’s cup of tea, but director Vincenzo Natali shows promise with his story about two genetic engineers who splice the DNA of different animals in the hope of using these new hybrids for medical use. Although it is completely bizarre, it has a disturbing quality leaving you unable to take your eyes off the screen. Hauntingly beautiful, and complete with many twists, this film is seriously underrated.
WEDNESDAY – Terminator 2: Judgement Day (Film4 23:40)
Last weekend Arnold Schwarzenegger, yes the Terminator himself, made a visit to Leeds, charging extortionate amounts of money to see him in conversation with Jonathan Ross. Why pay this amount of money when we can enjoy his company for free in Terminator 2, arguably the best in the franchise. If your feelings were hurt by the reboot of the Terminator franchise with Salvation in 2009, then you may need to remind yourself of how good the series can be. Though, it is likely to be ruined again with Terminator: Genisys, to be released in 2015. An action film with a good heart at the centre, it is a rollercoaster here to take you for a ride this Wednesday. I’ll be back.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eajuMYNYtuY
THURSDAY – The Time Traveler’s Wife (Film4 18:40)
Based on the bestselling novel by Audrey Niffenegger, this is a romantic drama with a difference, mainly because our romantic hero is a time traveller; enough to complicate any marriage. Rachel McAdams and Eric Bana play the troubled couple at the centre of the story, engaging with the audience emotionally and breaking their hearts. Seriously, tissues are needed for this one. Concentrating on the humanity rather than the science, it is artfully played out and finally brings some originality to the romantic drama genre of cinema.
FRIDAY – Zombieland (Film4 23:15)
Zombies have been done so many times now in films that it is starting to get dull. However, there are some modern ‘classic’ zombie films, with Zombieland being the prefect watch for a late Friday night. Following a group of oddballs brought together in a zombie apocalypse, this film is all about the characters and their interactions. Jesse Eisenberg is our shy student trying to find his family, Woody Harrelson a gun-toting tough guy on the hunt for the last Twinkie, and Emma Stone and Abigail Breslin a pair of sisters trying to protect one another. With an excellent cast, good things were bound to happen, and you will laugh so much your stomach will start to hurt!
SATURDAY – Lawless (Channel 4 22:00)
Lawless somehow slipped off the radar back in 2012, despite it being one of the best films in the year. Set in Depression-era Franklin County in Virginia, the film follows three bootlegging brothers who are threatened when a new figure of authority comes into town. A throwback to the earlier days of cinema, Lawless is an old-fashioned treat. With a stunning cast that includes the likes of Tom Hardy and Guy Pearce, there are many electrifying moments on screen. Severely underrated when it was released, give Lawless a chance this Saturday.
SUNDAY – It’s a Wonderful Life (Film4 14:50)
So, it may be way too early to start watching Christmas films, but on a Sunday afternoon when you want to escape essay stress, It’s A Wonderful Life is exactly what you need. Frank Capra’s 1946 wonder is the quintessential Christmas film, telling the tale of a suicidal man who is shown exactly why life is worth living. James Stewart is just wonderful as George Bailey, and you will in love with him as the film continues. Full of charm and Christmas spirit, it will put a smile on your face.
Emily Murray
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